A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Boulder for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cancun or Boulder?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Boulder can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a wild, party-hard, and tropical city. The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cancun travel costs.

Boulder

Boulder is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and biker-friendly city. Boulder is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Boulder travel costs.

Cancun and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Boulder?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cancun than Boulder. Cancun is bigger than Boulder, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cancun is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Boulder is more popular for its skiing, music, and hiking. Cancun is more touristy than Boulder and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Also, Cancun is famous for . Boulder is well known for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries.

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How is Cancun different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boulder and Cancun. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Cancun or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cancun is not a skiing destination.

Boulder is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Cancun is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cancun or Boulder?

Cancun is a great city for its historical sights. However, Boulder is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

Is the Food Better in Cancun or Boulder? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Cancun and Boulder.

Cancun has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Boulder area. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Cancun or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Boulder. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Is Cancun or Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is very good for its live music scene. However, Cancun is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Cancun is not a live music destination.

Is Cancun or Boulder Better for Resorts?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Cancun for its luxury resorts. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Cancun or Boulder Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Boulder is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Boulder is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Boulder Better for Beaches?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Boulder is not a beach destination.

Cancun offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Boulder is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Boulder is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Boulder. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Boulder?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cancun and Boulder.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Many visitors go to Boulder to go shopping. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is Cancun or Boulder More Beautiful?

Cancun is a great city for its scenery and beauty. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Boulder offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Is Cancun or Boulder Better for Families?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cancun is very family-friendly. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Cancun or Boulder Better for Couples?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Cancun is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Boulder is a good city for couples to visit. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is Cancun or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

Is Cancun or Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.

Boulder is very popular with students. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Cancun is not popular with students.

Is Cancun or Boulder Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cancun is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Boulder is not known for its public transit.

While Cancun offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Public transit is generally limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Is Cancun or Boulder a more walkable city?

Cancun is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable city. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cancun and Boulder. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Boulder. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 2-3 days is enough time in Boulder.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Boulder. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cancun, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Boulder. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Boulder if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cancun.

One day in Cancun or Boulder?

In Cancun, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Boulder. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Boulder?

In Cancun, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Boulder is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Boulder?

Cancun is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cancun has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boulder. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. In Cancun, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the biker-friendly destination of Boulder. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cancun and Boulder, we can see that Boulder is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cancun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cancun and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Boulder would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boulder than you might in Cancun.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cancun Expensive? and Is Boulder Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Boulder?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Boulder. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Boulder, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.